William Lubinsky hoped to attend a state-subsidized program that helps blind people learn skills for independence, but claims there was not enough funding
NEED TO KNOW
- William Lubinsky, an ER doctor, became permanently blind after surviving a massive heart attack and multiple surgeries
- Funding issues delayed his access to an independence training program for individuals who have lost their vision
- Lubinsky’s family and friends eventually raised $30,000 for him to attend the program, but he is speaking out about systemic challenges for people with disabilities
In late August, William Lubinsky went for a mile-and-a-half run through his neighborhood in Denver, Colo. He was 40 at the time, a recreational runner who had recently completed a 10K race.
When he returned home — as he stretched outside his apartment building — he became increasingly sweaty and experienced cramps. At first he assumed it was his body’s response to the 90-degree weather. He went upstairs to take a cold shower but soon felt weak, prompting him to call 911. First responders thought he was having a panic attack. But as an emergency room physician, Lubinsky knew it was far more serious.
“I think I’m having a heart attack,” he recalls telling them. He described his other symptoms — shortness of breath and pressure in his chest — and also shared that he had a family history of high cholesterol and heart disease…